Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,752, Jonathan French, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
French, Jonathan Elizabeth
W. 14752
CONTENTS
Died 1852

11.799 Massachusetts.
Elizabeth French, dec d , widow of Jonathan French who died on the of in the State of who was a private in the by Captain of the commanded by Mass in the Revolution time for 8 mo s & 23 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston at the rate of 29 Dollars 19 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836, and end March 27 th 1840
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of Dec r 1835, and sent to
to the 4th of Humphrey. Semi-annual allowance pending North Weymouth Mass:
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838. G. W. Ditty
Recorded by Clerk. Book Vol. 1, Page 188

V 820. 3. 58 Eliz French wid of Jos a French map
90. (copy) 1842 1842 1842 com. 27. 1842
1842 1842 1842 1842
1842 1842

State of Massachusetts 3 SS
On this thirteenth day of August eighteen hundred and thirty six personally appeared before the Judge of Probate Court within and for the County of Plymouth, Elizabeth French a resident of Hingham in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 that she is the widow of Jonathan French who served as a soldier in the army of the revolution a private in the company commanded by Capt Jonathan Loring and Charles Loring, company in John Greenough's Massachusetts regiment, Eight months in Moretown and Cambridge in the year 1775 also three months in the company commanded by Capt Samuel Ward in John Cogswell's regiment of Militia detached for the purpose of guarding and fortifying the ports in and about Boston in the autumn and winter of 1776 she further declares that she was married to the aforesaid Jonathan French in the year 1776 previous to the above services and that her husband the aforesaid Jonathan is dead and she has remained his widow ever since as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
her Elizabeth French mark

Sworn to & subscribed in Probate Court the day & year first above written & I hereby certify that it was made to appear to the satisfaction of said Court that said Elizabeth French is a credible person
Attest Jacob H Lord
Registrar of Probate
Plymouth Co. I Jacob H Lord Registrar of Probate for said County do certify that the foregoing contains the original application of Elizabeth French for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Probate Court for said County this seventh day of December 1836
Jacob H Lord

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d Section of the Act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836. or of the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838. entitled "An Act granting half pay and pension to certain widows" and the several Acts in addition to the said Acts, and amendatory thereof.
State of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss.
On this twenty sixth day of March in the year One Thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for said County of Norfolk, Betsey Lincoln aged seventy four years, now a resident of Cohasset in said County of Norfolk, Widow of George Lincoln late of Hingham in the County of Plymouth deceased; Abigail French, aged sixty four years, now a resident of Dymouth in said County of Norfolk; and Mary Dyer aged fifty seven years now a resident of said Hingham, widow of Charles Dyer late of Hingham aforesaid deceased. Who being first duly sworn according to law, do severally on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the 3 d Section of the Act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836. and of the several Acts in addition thereto and amendatory thereof, or to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. entitled "An Act granting half pay and pension to certain widows" and the several Acts in addition thereto, and amendatory thereof: that they are the children, and the only surviving children of Jonathan French late of said Hingham deceased, who was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution, whose services in said War will appear in part by the annexed Certificate

of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; that the said Jonathan French died at said Hingham on the 15 th day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty two: that they are children, and the only surviving children of Elizabeth French the wife of the said Jonathan French; that the said Jonathan French and Elizabeth French whose maiden name was Studdard were lawfully married as an affidavit from the Clerk of the Town of Hingham hereto annexed will show, on the twelfth day of December seventeen hundred and twenty six: that the said Elizabeth French died the widow of the said Jonathan French on the twenty seventh day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty, in the eighty third year of her age: that the said Elizabeth French made a declaration, and application, they think as early as the year 1830 to the War Department at Washington for a pension for her said husband's service in said War: that she died in poverty without receiving a pension to which they believe she was justly entitled: that they have been informed that her case was suspended for further consideration: that they think that what was then due to her is now due to them: that they are poor and needy: that they have many times heard their father, the said Jonathan French speak of his service as a soldier in the War of the Revolution: and of his hardships and sufferings therein a portion of the time: that they have heard him speak of his services at Cambridge, and at other places, some of them out of the State that they cannot name; that they have heard him speak of serving in the Continental Army, and of officers under whom he served, but do not remember their names as it was many years ago: that they have heard him speak of serving considerably as a substitute for a man in Hingham whose name was James Bates: that they probably should not have recollected this name, had they not many times heard their mother the said Elizabeth French speak of this service for the said James Bates, and of the man: that they have heard her speak of two terms of service that he

performed as a substitute for the said Bates, after their marriage, the last of which was a term of six months, and was as many as three or four years after they were married: that they have heard their said mother speak of her privations and sufferings during this last term of service: that they have heard her say that the said James Bates agreed to supply her necessary articles for subsistence while her husband was serving in the Army in his stead: that she was then unable to provide for herself, and that the said Bates entirely neglected to fulfil his agreement that they have a recollection of having heard their said Father speak of his service after he was married, but not so distinct a recollection of privations as they have of what they have heard their Mother say of the same service: that they make this declaration for the purpose of forwarding the same to the Division, or Department of the Interior at Washington as supplementary to the Declaration and application of their said deceased Mother, to whom they rendered assistance in her advanced years while she was waiting in anxious hope for some relief from government as a remuneration for her and her husband's privations and hardships in its support in their younger years: that they most respectfully ask that whatever may be their due, may be granted them.
Witness to marks of Betsey Lincoln
Lucy Morey
Betsey her X Lincoln mark
Elizabeth French
Lucy Dyer
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Plymouth ss. Hingham Jan y . 22, 1832. "Jonathan French died September fifteenth one thousand eight hundred and twenty two."
This may certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures, as follows. Sep. 15, 1822.
James G. Lewis, Clerk of the town of Hingham.
I, James G. Lewis, above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of town Clerk in the County, town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
James G. Lewis, Clerk of the Town of Hingham.
Sworn to before me Solomon S. Lincoln Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, May 11 th 1885
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Rev. Gay was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts, County of Plymouth, Town of Hingham, Jonathan French and Paul Beal (married) Nov r tenth, in the year Seventeen Hundred and Thirty five,
Dec r twelfth Seventeen hundred and seventy six Jonathan French and Elizabeth Stodder. (married)
Jonathan French died Sep t fifteenth Eighteen hundred and twenty two
I Certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the excep- tion of the date and figures, which are expressed in the record in fair legible date and figures as follows:
Jonathan French and Paul Beal (married) Nov r 10 th 1835,
Jonathan French and Elizabeth Stodder (married) 1776.
Jonathan French died died Sept 15 th 1922
Charles N Marsh Town clerk,
of Hingham,
I Charles N. Marsh, above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town, County, and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records, of said Town, and that the above named Jonathan French's are the only persons of that name mentioned in the record
Charles N Marsh Town Clerk of Hingham,
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this tenth day of May, A.D. 1955
Ebenezer Gay Justice of the Peace,
Mr. Humphrey,
N.B. I find in an old record, not belonging to the Town, a record kept by Rev. Ebenezer Gay, that Jonathan French died in the year 1750. Apr 5 th Aged 75 years, from which I should judge, that the Jonathan French who married Elizabeth Stodder, was the only Jonathan French of the right age to have performed service in the Revolutionary War.
Justices Fees. 25
the remainder what I leave to you
Respectfully Yours &c
Chas N. Marsh,

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, August 28. 1885
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Thomas Lorenz was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. M. [unintelligible]
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts, County of Plymouth, Town of Hingham "Elizabeth daughter of Isaiah Stodder, and of Priscillah born June Seventh Seventeen hundred and fifty eight."— "Seventeen hundred and Seventy six December twelfth. Jonathan French and Elizabeth Stodder." (were married) "Jonathan French Died September fifteenth Eighteen hundred and twenty two."
I Certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the re- cord in fair legible figures, as follows:— Elizabeth daughter of Isaiah Stodder & Priscillah Born June 7 th 1758 1776 Dec r 12 Jonathan French & Elizabeth Stodder Jonathan French Died Sept r 15 th 1822
Charles N. Marsh. Town Clerk.
I Charles N. Marsh, above named depose and say that I held the office of Town Clerk in the town, county, and state afore- said, and that the above is a true copy with the exceptions above named, as certified by me.
Charles N. Marsh Town Clerk of Hingham.
I find no record of the births of the children of Jonathan and Elizabeth French, nor of the death of Elizabeth French.
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this sixteenth day of August A.D. 1855.
Thos Loring — Justice of the Peace. for County of Plymouth State Mass ts

Elizabeth French Jonathan May 24 1836
Cole The Honorable Commissioners of Pensions City of Washington
D. C.
Free

Ms. A. 9. 2. 20
Ms. A. 9. 2. 20
Elizabeth French Jonathan
Mar. - Oct 1832
J. L. Cole
free
The Honorable Commissioners of Pensions City of Washington
D. C.

Supplement documents
74
Cole
Elizabeth French
Jonathan
Mar 1 - Oct - 1836
Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
A. C.
Free

Jonathan French Esq. Mass -
More information
C. C.
The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
D.C.
Free

700.15.366 V vol 7 July 1838.
Eliz th French
md of Act
Jonathan
Mass
Say Sec 6th Act
13 Dec March
28 1837 same June
16. 1838
Jerome Humphrey May 24 1835
Let same, May 24. 1835
" " July 23. 1855.
" " Sept 15 / 55.
" " Nov. 12 / 55
Act 7 July 1838

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14752
Elizabeth French
Widow of
Jonathan French Pr. Rev War
Act: July 14 88
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 254
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, April 19. 1855.
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed,
Samuel Humphrey was a just Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk, and James S. Lewis for the County of Plymouth
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. M. Wight Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Also on roll of Capt. Nathan Watkins (comp. Col. Edmund Phinney's Regt. from June 1. to Dec. 8. 1776 as private.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Affidavit for Certificate of Revolutionary services made by the children of the party who rendered the service.
We Betsy Lincoln now of Cohasset in the County of Norfolk, widow, aged 74 years; Lucy Dyer of Hingham in the county of Plymouth, widow, aged 57 years; and Eliza French of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk, aged 64 years, all of the State of Massachusetts, who are the whole of the surviving children of Jonathan French late of said Hingham, deceased, Respectfully request the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the services of the said Jonathan French in the War of the Revolution.
He was a native of the town of Hingham in said County of Plymouth, and we have many times in our younger years heard him tell the story of his services as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, but we have no distinct recollection of the names of the officers under whom he served, the length of his terms of service, or the place where, excepting a recollection of hearing him say that he served one term of seven months at Cambridge, and related some particulars concerning his fare there. Further than that our memory does not enable us to state,
Witness our hands this 25 th day of January A.D. 1856.
Betsy Lincoln
Signed by the said Betsy Lincoln, Lucy Dyer, and Eliza French in my presence, on the day and year aforesaid
Lucy Dyer Eliza French
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

State of Mass, County of Plymouth, Town of W ingham. "Married by Rev Ebenezer Gay, pastor of the First Church in W ingham," December Twelfth, Seventeen hundred and sixty six; "Jonathan French and Elizabeth Stoddard."
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the records with the exception of the date and figures which as presented in the record is far legible date and figures as follows.
"Dec. 12, 1776."
Nawkes Fearing, Jr.
Town Clerk.
I, Nawkes Fearing, Jr. above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town of Wingham, and that the above is a true extract from the record of said Town with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Nawkes Fearing, Jr.
Town Clerk.
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this Fifth day of March A.D. 1855.
L. S. Lewis
Justice of the Peace.

We Betsy French of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged sixty years, and Hannah Potman of Weymouth aforesaid aged sixty eight years do testify and say that we were acquainted with Jonathan French late of Hingham in the county of Plymouth, deceased, we have resided not much over the distance of one mile from his residence, he died we think in September in the year eighteen hundred and twenty two, at we believe about the age of sixty seven or eight, we attended his funeral solemnities. We were also acquainted with Elizabeth French his wife, and after his decease his widow, she lived we think until the twenty seventh day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty, we also attended her funeral about that time which was on the second or third day after her decease. She left four children three of whom are now living, whose names are Betsy Lincoln, widow of George Lincoln late of Hingham deceased, Abigail French now of Weymouth aforesaid, and Lucy Dyer, widow of Charles Dyer, late of Hingham aforesaid deceased, all three of whom are well known to us.
Betsy French Hannah Potman
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. March 22 d 1855. Then personally appeared before me the subscribers a justice of the peace within and for said county of Norfolk, the above named Betsy French and Hannah Potman, and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed in my presence is true, and I certify that said Betsy French and Hannah Potman are persons of good reputation for truth. Daniel Humphrey, Justice of the peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, March 31 st 1855.
I H ereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that James Bates enlisted for 3 years March 24. 1781. from Hingham. Also "The sums prefixed to each name is to the best of our knowledge and belief what the Class have advanced, or engaged to advance for the service said men."
"Hingham June 18. 1781."
Signed. "Enoch Lincoln Jacob Learitt Jeh Stowers" } Selectmen Hingham
"Suffolk ss. June 18. 1781."
"Then the above named Selectmen made oath to the above act before me."
"Benjamin Cushing Just. of Peace."
Also "Selectmen of Hingham in the County of Suffolk."
"This may Certify that I. the subscriber have received of Peter Roberts Class 295 Dollars, hard money, as a soldier to serve in the Continental Army for the term of three years. Hingham March 24. 1781."
signed "James Bates."

On List of Final Settlement.
Also 1 st Regiment Col. J. Vose's
No. 28.325. Jan'y. 1. 1782. $ 76.80.
No. 28.908. Jan'y. 1. 1783 " 50.80.
Said James Bates served in "Capt. Luke Hitchcock's Comp. Col. Joseph Vose's Regt. 1781. 11. Mths. 16. Days."
Also in "Capt. Jesse Hollister's Comp. Col. Vose's Regt. 1782. 7 Mths. 19. Days." (Died Aug. 19."
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M c Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

On List of Final Settlement.
Also 1 st Regiment Col. J. Vose's
No. 28.325. Janz. 1. 1782. $ 76.80.
No 28.908. Janz 1. 1783 " 50.80.
Said James Bates served in "Capt. Luke Hitchcock's Comp. Col. Joseph Vose's Regt. 1781. 11. Mos. 16. Days."
Also in "Capt. Jesse Hollister's Comp. Col. Vose's Regt. 1782. 7 Mos. 19. Days." (Died Aug. 19."
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence- of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M c Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Application for a certificate of Revolutionary services made by the children of the party who rendered the service as a substitute for another
We Beleny Lincoln of Cohasset in the county of Norfolk, widow, aged 74 years; Edith French of Weymouth in said county aged 64 years, and Lucy Dyer of Hingham in the county of Plymouth, widow aged 57 years, all of the State of Massachusetts, who are the whole of the surviving children of Jonathan French late of Hingham aforesaid, deceased, Respectfully request the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the services accredited to James Bates of said Hingham deceased, for whom it is made evident that the said Jonathan French served a considerable length of time as a substitute in the War of the Revolution, the whole of which service was after the marriage of the said Jonathan French. And we have not only heard him make mention of his services as a substitute for the said Bates, but have many times heard our Mother the widow Elizabeth French speak of that service as being after they were married, and also speak of her sufferings in his absence, and that the said Bates agreed to supply her with necessary articles of subsistence while her husband was serving for him, she then being unable to provide for herself, but neglected entirely to fulfil his agreement. And as our testimony alone, who are interested, might not be regarded, we have produced three credible and disinterested witnesses that have heard our Father and Mother both speak of this service performed for the said Bates, whose names are Ebenezer Totman and Samuel Orcutt of said Weymouth and Stephen Burall of said Hingham. By the account given by

Our Mother the last service of our Father for the said Bates as his substitute was a term of six months in the Army, and was performed from three to four years after their marriage, and was mostly distant from home and out of the State. We have heard our Father speak of Officers under whom he served, but our memory does not enable us to give their names.
Witness our hands this 26 th day of March A.D. 1855.
Witness to the mark of
Betsey Lincoln
Lucy Morey
her mother Betsey X Lincoln
Ebenezer French
Lucy Dyer
Signed by the said Betsey Lincoln, Lucy Dyer, and Ebenezer French in my presence on the day and year aforesaid.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

I Samuel O'cutt of Weymouth, in the County of Norfolk, and State of Massachusetts, being now in the sixtieth year of my age, do testify and say, I was well acquainted with Jonathan French, late of Hingham in the County of Plymouth and State aforesaid, deceased, I resided in the same house with him one year and ten months before his decease, and at several times during the period heard him relate the story of his services as a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and I supposed very correctly as I never knew him to make different statements at different times in relation to particular parts of his service. I have not at this time a distinct recollection of all the places where he said he performed service, but a part of it I think was at Cambridge and at other places not far from Boston and some parts of it were performed in other States and I have heard him relate the hardships and sufferings which he part of the time endured, which were severe. I have heard him say that he served a part of the time as a substitute for another man belonging to Hingham whose name was James Bates this and some other service I think he represented to be after he was married. The whole of his service I think as he represented it amounted to more than two years. Since his decease I have several times heard his Widow, Elizabeth French speak of his service performed after their marriage, and of her grievous sufferings while he was soldiering in the Army, and believe they both conscientiously intended to speak the truth
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Samuel O'cutt
Norfolk County ss. March 26 th 1855. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of peace within and for said County of Norfolk the above named Samuel O'cutt, and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed

in my presence is true, and I certify that the said Samuel Bratt is a person of good reputation for truth
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

I Ebenezer Tolman of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, aged seventy one years, do testify and say that I well knew Jonathan French late of Hingham in the county of Plymouth, and state aforesaid, deceased, I resided about the distance of eighty rods from his place of residence, not less than seven years before his decease, and saw him, and conversed with him almost daily and often heard him speak of his services as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, have many times heard him tell of his service at Cambridge Mass. and other places about Boston, and at New Jersey, and several times have heard him mention of serving as a substitute for James Bates late of said Hingham deceased, and often heard him speak of his service as a Soldier after his marriage, and many times also have heard his wife Elizabeth French speak of his services after their marriage and of her sufferings in his absence, and I formed an opinion by the representation of the said Jonathan French, and also of his wife that his whole service as a Soldier in War of the Revolution was not less than two years, and I always believed him to be a man of truth and veracity.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Ebenezer Tolman
Norfolk County ss. March 22 d 1855. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for said county of Norfolk, the above named Ebenezer Tolman, and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence is true; and I certify that said Ebenezer Tolman is a person of good reputation for truth.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

I Stephen Burrell of Hingham in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts aged sixty six years do testify and say that I well knew Jonathan Ditch late of Hingham deceased, I resided several years not more than twelve rods from the house in which he resided, and saw him daily and usually several times in a day and have many times heard him speak of his services as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and by his reputation I supposed that his service was considerable, have heard him speak of serving near Boston, and of one term at Jersey And have several times heard him say that he served a part of the time in said War as a substitute for James Bates of Hingham aforesaid, and I think I have heard him, and also his wife speak of his performing service as a soldier in said War after their marriage Stephen Burrell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. March 22 d 1855. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace within and for the said County of Norfolk, the above named Stephen Burrell and made solemn oath that the affidavit by him above subscribed in my presence is true, and I certify that said Stephen Burrell is well known to me as a person of good reputation for truth Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace.

Samuel Humphrey North Weymouth Mass

Samuel Humphrey adm $1520 bond, Elizabeth French d r 27 March 1840 M d 1776 Dec 12 Betsy Lincoln - Ebed French - Lucy Dyer
   2  666  253 3 9 15   23  253   

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
July 5. 1855
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestations herunto annexed, Wm. D. Leland was Judge of Probate. Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wight Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d section of the act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836. or of the act of Congress of the 7 th July, 1838. entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" as amended or changed by the Resolution of August 16 th 1842.
State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk S.S.
On this thirtieth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before the Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County of Norfolk, Betsey Lincoln aged seventy four years, now a resident of Cohasset in said County of Norfolk, widow of George Lincoln late of Hingham, in the County of Plymouth, deceased; Abigail French aged sixty four years now a resident of Weymouth in said County of Norfolk, and Lucy Dyer aged fifty seven years now a resident of Hingham, widow of Charles Dyer late of Hingham aforesaid deceased, who being duly sworn according to law, do on their oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the 3 d section of the act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836. or of the act of Congress of the 7 th of July, 1838 as amended or changed by the Resolution of August 16 th 1842. entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" that they are children, and the only surviving children of Jonathan French late of said Hingham, deceased, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, whose services in said War will appear in part by a certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, which has been forwarded to the

Pension office at Washington, which in substance was as follows, On roll of Capt. John Loring's Company April 19 th 1775. months days  0 13 Also on return of 8 months service of Capt. Charles Cushing's Company, Col. William Heath's Regiment, Coat Roll dated Cambridge Camp December 18 th 1775 as private from Hingham 0. 00 Also on return of Capt. Thomas Hensley's Company Col. Lovell's Reg. who marched to Dorchester March 1 st 1776. 0. 04 18 miles out, some back 36 miles from Hingham Also on roll of Capt. Ryan Cushing's Company Col. Lovell's Reg. assembled to guard the shores from March 11 1776. 0. 04 Also on roll of Capt. Ryan Cushing's Company Col. Lovell's Reg. assembled at Hull at two different times in June 1776. 0. 02 26 miles travel \text{£} 0. 5. 5. 2 Also on roll of Capt. Nathan Walker's or Watkins Company, Col. Edmund Phinney's Regiment from June 1 st to Dec. 8 1776 as private 6. 08 
That the said Jonathan French died at said Hingham on the fifteenth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty two: that they are children, and the only surviving children of Elizabeth French the wife of the said Jonathan French, that the said Jonathan French and Elizabeth whose name was Stoddard before her marriage, were lawfully married on the twelfth day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, as has been shown by a certificate from the clerk of the town of Hingham, which has been duly verified by oath, and forwarded to the Pension office: that the said Elizabeth French, who was then the widow of the said Jonathan French deceased, died at said Weymouth on the twenty seventh day of March in the year eighteen hundred and forty, in the 82 nd year of her age: that the said Elizabeth French made application to the

Pension or War Department at Washington for a Pension for her said husband's service in said War, they think as early as the year 1838. that she died without receiving any Pension: that whatever she was then intitled to receive they think is now due to them: that they believe their Father performed much more service than has been found accredited to him upon the rolls in the office of the Secretary of the State: that they many times have heard him speak of his various terms of service performed both before and after his marriage, and of the privations and hardships he endured: and very many times have heard their Mother speak of his service in the War, and of his leaving the service only a very few days before their marriage to return home for that purpose, but more frequently have heard her speak of his service after their marriage, and particularly of his service as a substitute for James Bates of said Hingham, and of her extreme hardships and sufferings in his absence, a part of which was several years after their marriage
her Betsey K Lincoln
Signed in presence
Geo Norrill to the three W. S. Leland
much Eben French Lucy Dyer
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk ss
At a Probate Court held by adjournment at Roxbury in and for said County on the thirtieth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared the above named Betsey Lincoln Eben French and Lucy Dyer and

in open court, before the subscriber judge of said court, subscribed and made oath to the foregoing declaration; and at the same time and place personally appeared Henry Ebenezer Putnam and Samuel O'Neil of Weymouth in said county, proved to be credible witnesses, who being duly sworn according to law, declare that they are personally acquainted with the said Betty Lincoln Eben French and Lucy Dyer and have known them for a long time, and are that they are the identical persons they represent themselves to be and that their statements are entitled to full credit. And that they, the said Putnam and O'Neil, are not interested in the claim. And I certify that I am not interested in the claim or concerned in its prosecution that I believe the said Betty Lincoln Eben French and Lucy Dyer are the persons they represent themselves to be and that their statements and those of said Putnam and O'Neil are entitled to full credit.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court the day and year first above written - The word "Henry" erased by me
W. S. Leland Judge of Probate

I Ebenezer Estlin of Weymouth in the County of Dorset, and commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy one years, do testify and say, that I well knew Jonathan French late of Hingham, in the County of Plymouth, deceased, my place of residence was but a short distance from his for many years before he died - I used to see him almost daily, and often several times in a day. Have very many times heard him speak of his service as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, which I think was considerable, and have no recollection that I ever knew him to contradict or thwart at one time what he had said at another. Some things that I have heard him say in relation to his service I very well remember. One is the story he told me about leaving the Army after a considerable of a term of service to come home to be married, some parts of which were rather amusing, and that he was married within a very few days I think only four after he left headquarters. Another part of his history that I well remember was his story of his service as a substitute for James Bates of said Hingham - Bates he said had always been afraid to go soldiering, and came and offered him very favorable terms to take his place, one was that he would provide all means of subsistence for his wife and child during his absence and give him some pay in addition; and he took his place and marched, and had a hard term of service, and when he returned after the expiration of his term which was of several months, he found his wife almost a skeleton, and Bates he said had furnished her nothing. After that he said Bates obtained no more substitutes, he had to go himself and lost his hide. He said Jonathan French died September 15 th 1822. I attended his funeral. And I never knew or heard of any other man of that name, in or near Hingham, excepting

his father who I never knew, I have understood was of that name.
I was well acquainted with Elizabeth wife of the said Jonathan for a long number of years before her decease, and have heard her tell the same story about her husbands service as a substitute for James Bates, after their marriage and of her severe sufferings in his absence she died about March 27 th 1840. I also attended her funeral. I was also well acquainted with the children of the said Jonathan and Elizabeth. Betsy Lincoln now widow of George Lincoln, Eliza French, and Lucy Dyer now widow of Charles Dyer I have known well for many years, and have seen them at the old house with the said Jonathan and Elizabeth, and firmly believe that they are truly the legitimate children of the aforementioned Jonathan and Elizabeth French, and have to my knowledge that any one ever doubted the fact. And I believe there are no others of the family living, some of the children that I once knew are not living. I am not related, or in any way connected with any of the family of the said Jonathan French and Elizabeth, and am disinterested in this application for a Pension. Eliza French  Jonathan
Signed in presence of Geo. Morrill W. Leland
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Norfolk, ss
In Probate at Roxbury in said County on the Twentieth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five - person to me subscribed

by the said Ebenezer Folsom before the Subscriber judge of said Court, And I certify that it was duly proved to my satisfaction that the said Folsom is a credible witness. Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court
W. L. Leland
Judge of Probate

I Samuel Orcutt of Weymouth, in the County of Norfolk, and State of Massachusetts, aged fifty nine years, do testify and say that I have been acquainted with Jonathan French late of Hingham in the County of Plymouth, deceased, and with his wife Elizabeth French up to the time of their decease, and with all their children, I resided in the same house with the family several years between thirty and forty years ago, and have probably a hundred times at the least heard the said Jonathan tell some of his stories of his service, hardships and privations as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, which seemed to be a subject of his delight. His history of his service for one of his terms as a substitute for James Bates of Hingham, which he represented to be a considerable time after he was married I have many times heard, and not much to the honor of Bates, and I supposed it to be true as there was always a sameness, and an appearance of truthfulness in his representation - he said Bates was a coward, he was afraid to go into the Army, and that he came and told him fair stories, and promised that he would well support his wife and child, and pay him besides if he would take his place and serve as his substitute, and he went, served out his term and a hard one too, and when he got back he found he had come near losing his wife, she had been sick, and Bates had not furnished her any thing to live upon. After that he said Bates had to perform his own service, and it used him up in a short time. Several times I have heard his wife and widow the said Elizabeth French make the same statements in regard to his service as a substitute for the said Bates, with some of the particulars of her sufferings in the absence of her husband. Occasionally he would

relate the story of his leaving the Army after a long term of service before his marriage, and I think he died in four days after he had a wife. I resided at his house when he died, which was on the 15 th day of September 1822. and was present at his burial. I was also residing very near to the residence of his Widow, the said Elizabeth French when she died, which I think was on the twenty seventh day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty. I am not certain that I attended her funeral, but am inclined to the belief that I stopped at home and my wife attended, yet being near I saw the movements of the burial. The widow Betsey Lincoln of Cohasset, Ebet French of Weymouth, and widow Lucy Dyer of Hingham are the only surviving children of the said Jonathan French and the said Elizabeth his wife. I have lived in Hingham several years, and have been well acquainted with Hingham people, and I never knew or heard of any other man, or that there had ever been any other man in or near the town of Hingham of the name of Jonathan French excepting the father of the above named, him I have heard of but never knew.
I am not related, or in any way connected with any of the family of the said Jonathan French and Elizabeth, and am disinterested in the success of this application for a Pension
signed in presence of Geo. Morrill W. Leland
Samuel Carruth

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk, ss.
In Probate at Roxbury in said County on the thirtieth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty five subscribed and sworn to by the said Samuel Orcutt before the subscriber judge of probate Court and I certify that it was duly proved to my satisfaction that the said Orcutt is a credible witness.
Witness my Hand and the Seal of said Court
W. Leland
Judge of Probate

#8 Mrs. Cap Cushing 1775 x 411 guest house (Cushing 200) 1777 300 Wards Co 1778 0 300 Whites Co. 1778
18. Abigail Ford - Hannah Fortman - Sarah Orcutt - Ebenezer Fortman - Stephen Bunnell.
x Davis Garden o Elmer Stora (believe) 8 Mrs B # Let M. French, 4 4 2  We held for identity of Henry

Jonathan French died, 15 Feb 1822 } Married, Elizabeth French died 27 March 1840 } 1776 Record
Betsy Lincoln 1 - Abie French 2 - Lucy Dyer 3 Surviving children,
Samuel Humphrey, With Weymouth mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk, ss.
I, WILLIAM S. LELAND, Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Norfolk, hereby certify that Thomas Humphrey, Esquire has been duly appointed Administrator of the estate of Elizabeth French,
late of Meymouth in said County of Norfolk (widow of John French late of Hingham deceased), and that she is now fully authorised to act in that capacity.
And I the said Judge do further certify that said Administrator has given bond for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office in the penal sum of five hundred dollars and that said bond has been approved by the Court and the sureties on said bond are deemed sufficient.
In testimony whereof, I, the said William S. Leland, Judge as aforesaid, have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of said Court to be affixed, this Twenty seventh day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five
W.S. Leland

North Weymouth May 12 th 1855:
The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
By the certificate of the Clerk of the Town of Hingham it appears there have been two men in that town of the name of Jonathan French that were married there, one 41 years before the other. No record has been found of the birth of either. The first is supposed to be the father of the other, and died as appears by a record of Rev. Ebenezer Gay, in whose Parish he resided, in 1780. at the age of 70 years, in which he must have been 73 at the commencement of the Revolution, and probably did not serve as a soldier in that War.
The certificate of the Secretary of the State does not show that Jonathan French served as a substitute for James Bates, but the Declaration shows that the Applicants have heard their Parents represent that he did so serve after his marriage, and the affidavits of several disinterested and credible witnesses show that they have heard both the said Jonathan and Elizabeth represent that he did serve as a substitute for said James Bates. This may not be considered proof, yet no one who knows the Applicants and the Affiants appear to doubt the truth thereof, and the reported sufferings of the said Elizabeth for necessities of subsistence which the said James Bates agreed to supply while her husband was serving for him as a substitute have been notorious. Whatever appears to be just and right in the case, it is hoped will be granted to the applicants, nothing more is asked
Yours, most respectfully Samuel Humphreys

I Lot Marsh of Hingham in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Mas- sachusetts. Condwiver aged seventy nine years and a pensioner of the United States do hereby and say that Jonathan French of Hingham aforesaid was a soldier in the war of the revolution and served eight months in the company commanded by Capt Jonathan Loring and Charles Lurking in Col. Greeley's Massachusetts regiment, in Roxbury and Cambridge in the year 1775. The said Jonathan had previously married Elizabeth Stoddard who is now living and has not married since the death of the aforesaid Jonathan. Lot Marsh
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth - - - ss }
August 20th - 1836
Then personally appeared before me the sub- scribed Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Plymouth the above named Lot Marsh and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed.
I further certify that the aforesaid Lot Marsh is personally known to me and is a person of good reputation for truth
Marshal Lincoln Justice of the Peace

“ Jonathan French & Elizabeth Stodder, both of Hingham were married by Rev. Ebenezer Gay Pastor of the First Church in Hingham (Dec. 12th. 1776.”
The above is a true Copy from Records in my office.
Attest,
James S. Lewis, Town Clerk.
Hingham Oct. 22, 1835
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Plymouth } ss. Oct 22, 1835
Then personally appeared before me the subscriber a jus- tice of the peace within and for the County of Plym- outh aforesaid, the above named James S. Lewis Town Clerk of Hingham, and made solemn oath to the truth of the above certificate by him sub- scribed and I hereby certify that said Lewis is a man of good reputation for truth
Edmund Lincoln Jus: Peace

Plymouth ss. I Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Marshall Lincoln & Solomon Lincoln Esquires are Justices of the Peace in & for said County & that the signa- tures to the annexed papers purporting to be signed by them are their true & genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Probate Court for said County this seventh day of December 1836 Jacob H. Lord

Vol 14 p 66 Capt J S orup C o Glencoe Light
" John a French on page 27 Apr 75 " " " 3d in Aug 1
Vol 19 p 150 Captain Ward on page 150 Boston &c from Sept 1778 to Dec 31 - John a French not on
Vol 20 p 153 Capt Elias Whitson C o Apr 1778 David Gardner on John a French not on
Vol 12 p 180 Nathan Young Capt " John a French on page 9 day"
8.3 7 8.12

Commission of Pensions

North Weymouth November 30 th 1855.
Honored Sir,
A certificate of my appointment as Administrator of the Estate of Elizabeth French and of the amount of my bond is herewith forwarded, and it is my hope that a Pension certificate for arrears due her at the time of her decease, will be forwarded to meet the poverty of her children the coming winter, without unnecessary delay.
Yours truly and respectfully,
Daniel Humphrey

North Weymouth Oct. 27 th 1855:
Honored Sir,
Your address of Sept. 15 1855: has been received, and ill health has prevented me from answering it until this time. And I would most respectfully ask permission to give a little brief of the proceedings in this case thus far. The applicants expressed a strong desire for me to attend to their case, and for the reason that they were very poor & consented, hoping that I should be able to accomplish their business without making them any charge whatever, as I have in other cases of poverty, but my prospect is not very encouraging, as my labor and expenses are already about four times as much as the average expenses have been among the scores of Pensions which I have obtained for the old soldiers and widows. In the first, the applicants made oath to their Declaration, as supplementary to the Declaration of their Mother, before a Justice of the Peace, as it was our wish to save expense, hoping that nothing further would be required, as it was only for the arrears due the widow when she died. The first address received from the Pension Office was under date of May 12 th 1855: in which it was required that a certificate be furnished by the Town Clerk of the Town of Hingham showing whether it appears upon his books that there was more than one man of the name of Jonathan French in said Town during the war of the Revolution of sufficient age to have performed service. In your address of May 21 1855: You say I have examined examined and filed the certificate of the Town Clerk of Hingham, which accompanied your letter of the 12 th inst; and you informed that, though it appears that there was but two persons named Jonathan French upon the records of that Town, it is very clear from the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, that unless the party of that name who died on the 8 th of April 1780 aged 78, was capable of bearing arms in 1746, there must have been yet another Jonathan French who claimed to have resided within its limits for, on referring to that certificate it appears that there was a Jonathan French "on roll of Capt. Ryan Cushing's company of Col. Dyer's regiment assembled at Hull at two different times in June 1746, two days twenty six miles travel &c. And also a Jonathan French "on roll of Capt. Nathan Walker's company of Col. Edmund Phinney's regiment for June 1 st 1746 as private. I have however concluded to allow the claim under the Act of July 4 th 1830 for eight months and twenty three days service, that being the service embraced by the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, with the exception of the service in Phinney's regiment, which was evidently not rendered by

Elizabeth French's husband. It evidently was rendered by Elizabeth French's husband. If Elizabeth French's husband did not perform that service who did? It has been proved, and can again be proved by hundreds of credible men in the town of Hingham that no other for at the time than Elizabeth's husband, and the old gentleman who died in 1900 were ever known or heard of, in that town, and if one performed the two days service in Capt. Nym Larkins company, and the other the six months and eight days service in Capt. Nathan Walker's company, which judge you performed the service in Walker's company the man 44 years of age, or his son Elizabeth's husband? The probability is that Nym Larkins company was a minute company as they were called, which stood ready to turn out on any alarm - that Elizabeth's husband was a member thereof, and on his enlistment into Walker's company obtained a substitute to take his place, in case of an alarm. At the close of your address of May 21 you say that the certificate filed was given by a justice of the peace and cannot be considered under the Oaths.
Then we began our work, and all the affidavits, and this witness offered before the court of Probate, (a part of whom had to travel more than twenty five miles), and we endeavored with all the skill we possessed to follow the rules of the Department as soon as they were made known to us, and everything we thought was done with great care at the court of Probate, and all the papers were mailed for Washington early in July. Under date of July 23 d 1855. An address was received from the Department - the concluding clause of which was as follows "If the children of Mrs. French will request the admission of the claim under the act of July 7 th 1838. a certificate will be issued when the evidence of death and survivorship indicated in my letter of the said 21 st of May, is filed in this office" What this meant I knew not, I believed that no better evidence of the death of the widow, and survivorship of the three children could be produced than had been. It did not then seem probable that the affidavits forwarded had not been looked at, and concluded that record evidence might be sought, and had been informed there was none, therefore to satisfy the Department I went to Hingham to request the clerk of the court to examine, and certify the facts in the case, which he did. And after the receipt of that certificate at the Department I received another address from the Commissioners of Pensions under date of Sept. 15 th 1855. "That a court of record must certify when Elizabeth French died, and state the names and ages of her children now living" Now Sir,

I will state what I think your honor will find to be facts. That the surviving children of the said Elizabeth in their application for a Pension did state when the said Elizabeth French died, and did give their names and ages, and other particulars, and made oath to the same before the Hon. William S. Leland as Judge of Probate, in and for the County of Norfolk. And Ebenezer Dutton and Samuel Druell two credible and disinterested witnesses did state the time that the said Elizabeth French died, and did give the names of her surviving children in their affidavits, and did make oath to the same before the said Judge of Probate; and the said Judge did certify, after an examination of them, that they were credible witnesses. Every thing that has been required or indicated, I believe was there done. And I think it appears that those papers had not been examined or read at the Department at the date of the last address under date of Sept. 15 th 1833. And it will be seen on examination of the Declaration, and accompanying papers made before Judge Leland, that we had complied with the rules as about the 1 st of July last. And now I am authorized to say for the Applicant that they are willing to receive a Pension certificate for the arrear under the Act of July 7 th 1838. for the time that has been fairly proved that the said Elizabeth's husband did serve to wit: 14 months and 29 days, and nothing less, and would draw of course from the 1 st of March 1836, to the day of the said Elizabeth's death March 27 th 1840. But they and many others are satisfied that he did perform much other service, that he did serve as a substitute for James Bates after his marriage, but I am satisfied that it cannot be satisfactorily proved at this late day, and they have given it up. At the close of your last letter, you say it is now deemed necessary that an Administrator on Elizabeth French's estate be appointed. We have no objection to that, excepting the delay and those ones serious objection. and expenses. Administering upon estates has been almost my constant employ for nearly forty years, and even now, at my advanced age, which is between three score years and ten, and four score years, I have several Estates in settlement, and one quite large where my bond is 50,000 dollars and I had rather settle two estates than to attend to one such as this. But I abhor to waste poor people's money.
I am respectfully yours
Samuel Humphrey
The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir
Plymouth Jan 27. 1838
I send herewith the papers intended to support the claim of Mrs. Elizabeth French & to remedy the deficiency of testimony as objected by you.
Yours &c
J. H. Lord
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

North Weymouth August 27 th 1855.
The Honorable Commissioners of Pensions
Sir
Your address of the 23 d of July 1855: has been received. We had supposed that every thing required by your address of the 21 st of May last had been complied with to the best of our ability. The closing part of your address of the said 21 st of May, was as follows. "It will, however, be necessary before a certificate for the annuity due can be issued, that the certificate of a Court of Record be filed, showing the precise day of Elizabeth French's death, and the names and ages of her children now living. The certificate filed was given by a Justice of the Peace, and cannot be considered under the 'Rules'." Because it was given by a Justice of the Peace, and not by a Judge we supposed was the only objection as to legality. Therefore on the 5 th of July were forwarded certificates of a Judge "showing the precise day of Elizabeth French's death, and the names and ages of her children now living." And we know of no better evidence that can be produced, as no record of the death of the Widow, or birth of her children has been found, more affidavits of the same kind may be produced, but none were thought to be useful. And we supposed that every thing required or indicated by your letter of the 21 st of May was fully and truthfully complied with. Now Sir, you say in your address of July 23 d "If the children of Mrs. French will request the admission of the claim under the act of July 7 th 1838. a certificate will be issued when the evidence of death and survivorship indicated in my letter of the said 21 st of May is filed in this office." First Sir, I am instructed to say that the three children now living of the said Elizabeth French, and others acquainted with the family do fully and undoubtingly believe that their Father did some much as a soldier in the War of the Revolution after his marriage to the said Elizabeth, and did serve as a substitute for James Bates of said Hingham; yet it seems to be out of their power at this time to bring what may be called legal proof thereof. Therefore if they cannot receive what they think is justly due them, in their destitute circumstances, being supported mostly by charity, they request the admission of the claim under the act of July 7 th 1838.

which they supposed was implied in their application made before the court of Probate. And that it is their ardent hope, that the Honorable Department will condescend to review their case, and grant them what appears to be their just due
Most respectfully yours
Samuel Humphrey

Weymouth April 27 th 1855.
The Honorable Commissioners of Pensions
Sir,
In closed is a Declaration of the whole of the surviving children of Jonathan French and his wife Elizabeth French late of Hingham in the State of Massachusetts, descended with a number of affidavits and affidavits representing the service of the said French in the War of the Revolution. He died Sep. 15 th 1822. And his Widow Elizabeth French, it is understood made a Declaration and application for a Pension for the services of her husband at sometime between 1836. and 1839. but died March 27 th 1840. without receiving a Pension. The children say they have been informed that the case was suspended; but for what reason they know not; and that they have no knowledge what the papers contained.
The enclosed papers they offer as supplementary to those on file in the Department, for a review of the case. The service standing to the credit of the said Jonathan French on the rolls in the office of the Secretary of the State of Mass. appears to amount to about 15 months. In addition to that, it is made to appear not only by the Declaration of the children, but by the affidavits of several witnesses who are neither relations, or connexions in any way, of either of said children, and appear entirely disinterested, and are credible, who have heard the said French and his widow both relate the story of his services as a substitute for James Bates of said Hingham. This may not be considered as legal proof, but is as good as can be obtained at this late period, when all the old soldiers with whom he served have retired to their resting place, and none who know either the declarants or the witnesses who testify appear to doubt the performance of the service as a substitute. Two of the children being widows, and all advanced in years and poor, it is hoped their case will receive due consideration and attention.
Any communication from the Department relative to the case may be addressed to the subscriber at H. Weymouth Mass. Most respectfully yours, Samuel Humphrey

Brief in the case of Elizabeth French die Widow of Jonathan County and State of Maine act July 7 1838
Claim, ("original," or " for increase ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record evidence of her husband's service with which he is identified by the testimony of several witnesses, —
Record of marriage in Dec 1776
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Cohabitation, general reputation of marriage, the identity of the children as being the children of the widow of the soldier, his coming her death, & administration made agreeably to an Regulation
Name and residence of Agent Samuel Humphrey Esq South Deymouth Mass
Thomas D. Dyer Examining Clerk.

Elizabeth French died Widow of Jonathan & Meaps
adm d July 7 1838
Sum of 238 p ri $29 12 per annum from March 1836 to 27 March 1840, when she died , Pay to Samuel Humphrey adm d for Elizabeth French 1 - Eliza French 2 - Lucy Dyer 3 and or any of them who are alive or any others who may be,
Bequeath to Samuel Humphrey & South Weymouth Mass

North Weymouth July 5 th 1855.
The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
Your letter of the 21 st of May was duly received, and the three surviving children of the late Jonathan French of Hingham have made a Declaration before the Judge of Probate for the County of Norfolk, and took also with them two witnesses to prove some facts, which by your letter appeared to be doubted. We find not an individual in Hingham who has any belief that any other man by the name of Jonathan French was at Hingham at the time of the Revolutionary War excepting the said Elizabeth's husband and his father, and how to explain the discrepancy that appears in the Secretary's Certificate we know not - the father might have went to Hull, the young man might have belonged to one of the minute companies which stood ready to turn out at a minutes warning, before his enlistment in Phinney's Regiment, and refusing actual service, which it appears he was not backward to perform, left a substitute to take his place and answer to his name - in most every case that has come to my knowledge for the last 23 years in the examination of rolls, the enlisting man's name is retained on the rolls and not the substitute. How the fact was is now unknown. But one thing is certain, if the testimony of conscientious disinterested witnesses can make a thing so, that the man who was  did the husband of the said Elizabeth did perform the service in Walker's Company in Phinney's Regiment, and he did perform service as a substitute for James Bates after their marriage.
So then justice is all that is asked
Most respectfully yours
Samuel Humphrey

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss January 18 th 1838
Personally appeared before me
The undersigned to Marshall Lincoln as Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Plymouth, Elizabeth French a resident of Hingham in said County of Plymouth who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that by reason of her age and consequent loss of memory she did not in the deposition to which this is in addition mention with precision the nature or length of services of her Husband Jonathan French of said Hingham deceased, in the war of the Revolution, but she now deponeth and saith that according to her best knowledge and belief her said husband did serve in said War in company in the year and for the time stated in the deposition to which this is in addition.
He served also in a company of grenadiers or Burgoyne's Troops for some months as a private, in the fall of 1777 and winter of 1777-8. It was on this service that she recollects perfectly well that he came home in company with Nathaniel Gilbert and David Springer of Hingham soldiers in the same company now deceased when the snow was on the ground they stopped at our house on their way home and appeared very much fatigued, this was after my marriage, I recollect perfectly well that my husband carried his gun, knapsack and canteen from home on this service.

I feel positive that my said husband found served three months as a private in Capt Whiton's company at Dorchester heights and for proof of these two last services she refers to the annexed Depositions -
The services of my husband on which I claim a pension for are Eight months service in Capt Luskings company at Morley in 1875 as stated in my former Deposition, four months service in a company of Zouaves at Cambridge in 1877 - of which company Ebene Lusk of Hingham was orderly sergeant, three months service in Capt Webb's company in 1878 as stated in my former Deposition, and three months service in Capt Elias Whiton's company on Dorchester heights in 1878. The three services last mentioned were all subsequent to his marriage to me, all my husband's services aforesaid were in his capacity as a private soldier he died in 1892 and I have not since been married Witness the signing Lucy Gage her Elizabeth Gage
March
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me -
Marshal Lincoln Justice of the Peace

I David Gardner of Hingham in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy eight years, do depose and say that I served in a company of Guards at Cambridge in the year 1777 for four months - We were guards of Burgoyne's troops. It was in the fall and winter 1777 and 1778. I do not recollect the name of the Captain - I am not sure that we had a Cap- tain. Stephen Stoddard of Cohasset and a per- son by the name of Lord of Weymouth or Braintree were Lieutenants of the Company Nathan Cushing of Hingham was Orderly Ser- geant - Jonathan French of Hingham who died several years since served as a private in the Company during the time above men- tioned - after this Service I went to Dorchester Heights and served three months in Elias Whiton's Company. I feel pretty positive that Jonathan French above named served there with me, in the same Company. His widow Elizabeth French is still living in Hingham -
David Gardner
Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Plymouth ss Dec 29. 1837. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber then justice of the peace within and for the County of Plymouth, the above named David Gardner and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed. And I certify that said David Gardner is a person of good reputation for truth -
Solomon Lincoln Jus; Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth Yr. I Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Marshall Lincoln & Solomon Lincoln Esquires are both Justices of the Peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified & that the several signatures to the annexed papers I have have no doubt to be theirs where purporting to be such.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate for said County this twenty seventh day of January 1838.
Jacob H. Lord

I Abigail Gove of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts widow aged fifty four years do depose and say that during the life of my father Jonathan French Deceased, I have heard him frequently speak of his military services in the Revolutionary war. and I have heard him mention that one child my brother Martin was born in his absence in the army, my brother Daniel who was older than Martin was born in August 1777 as I believe I have also heard my Father say that he went into the army again after Martin was born, her
Witnessed by Robert W. Lincoln
Abigail Gove mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss January 2 nd 1838 Then Personally appeared before me the Subscribers a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Plymouth, the above named Abigail Gove and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her subscribed and I hereby certify that said Abigail Gove is a person of good reputation for truth.
Marshal Lincoln Justice of the Peace